Plumbing Caulk Adhesive
Plumbing caulk adhesive is applied in areas where plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets, meet walls, floors and cabinets. Caulking is an essential part of the plumbing process since caulk adhesive creates a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the seams around the plumbing fixtures. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Caulk
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Though several varieties of caulk adhesives are used in the home, only a couple of these caulk types are recommended for use around plumbing fixtures. The effective caulks for plumbing are latex and silicone, both of which dry into a rubbery form that creates a water-resistant barrier. Like other caulks, latex and silicone caulk expand and contract as needed to compensate for the expansion and shrinkage of plumbing pipes and metal hardware.
Caulk Tubes
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Both latex and silicone caulk comes in tubes, which may be squeezable or rigid. Squeezable tubes are designed to use alone while rigid tubes are designed for use with a caulking gun. Both tube types have nozzles, which get larger as you move in toward the tube itself, so the more you cut off the tip of the nozzle, the larger the opening becomes.
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Applying Caulk
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Once you cut the nozzle of a caulking tube to the appropriate size, push the caulk from a squeezable tube by putting slight pressure on the sides of the tube to squeeze caulk out through the nozzle. Place a rigid caulking tube into a caulking gun, so that the nozzle of the tube faces outward on the gun, and the base of the tube rests against the back of the gun. Press the trigger on the caulking gun to press the caulk up from the bottom of the tube.
Mildew
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Since plumbing caulk adhesive faces constant exposure to moisture, it may develop mildew. This is especially likely in areas with little ventilation, where the caulked surfaces stay wet for long periods of time. If mildew becomes extensive, you can remove it from the plumbing fixtures by replacing the caulk. Caulk is removed from plumbing fixtures by cutting into it and peeling it away from the fixture. You can also buy caulk removers, which soften the caulk and make it easier to peel away.
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References
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